User manual POLYCOM PATHNAVIGATOR SUPPLEMENTARY GUIDE

[. . . ] Polycom has a wide range of different management applications enabling an organization to purchase and use only the software they need. When selecting the Polycom management applications best suited to an organization's needs, it is important to understand that some situations will be best served by a combination of these applications. This paper focuses on identifying the key differentiating features between each application and does not cover the complete feature set of each application. The features listed are unique to all other Polycom applications available today. [. . . ] Network Aware Scheduler is required for organizations that: · Use Microsoft® Outlook® or IBM® Lotus Notes® and want to schedule network bandwidth, rooms, people, and video equipment to ensure successful conferences ­ There are two key elements in this capability. The first is being able to create and manage vide conferences from inside of Outlook or Lotus Notes. The second is that it enables the ability to schedule and reserve the network bandwidth, rooms, equipment, and people. · Want to utilize both stand-alone bridges and embedded multipoint endpoints to create multipoint conferences ­ The Network Aware Scheduler enables currently deployed resources in the organization to be better utilized (endpoints with embedded multipoint). It also enables videoconferences between two endpoints without any bridge involved. · Have a mix of manufacturers' equipment and want one application to schedule all video network equipment ­ Scheduling applications from endpoint manufacturers are only focused on their own endpoints. However in the case of Polycom's Network Aware Scheduler the endpoints from major manufacturers can be scheduled to dial each other or be called from a bridge. · Want problems with equipment tied to trouble tickets to ensure fast resolutions ­ If a problem occurs on a device, a report can be made against that device in the trouble ticket system. That way any current or future conference creators can be made aware of these issues and appropriate action can be taken. · Need full CDR for point-to-point and multipoint calls for easy billing ­ Although a number of Polycom products include CDR data, only the Network Aware Scheduler CDR can contain all IP and ISDN calls made from/to endpoints and through bridges. · Need catered meals automatically tied into their conferences for convenient food delivery ­ Many organizations require food services to be brought in for particular scheduled conferences. Network Aware Scheduler provides a very flexible catering application completely integrated into the conference scheduler. 2 WebCommander, MGC Personal Scheduler, and MGC Manager WebCommander, MGC Personal Scheduler, and MGC Manager are considered MGC-centric applications meaning they focus on detailed MGC reservations and management of conferences. WebCommander is composed of three modules (available as separate applications): 1) WebCommander Director (focused on "in-meeting" controls), 2) WebCommander Scheduler (focused on MGC conference reservations), and 3) MGC personal Scheduler (focused on MGC reservations through Outlook). WebCommander Modules are required for organizations that: · Need Unified ("calling card" audio/video) or Audio-only conferences set up on the MGC from either Outlook or a web interface ­ When bridge calls need to be scheduled for audio or audio/video calls, only WebCommander can accomplish this today. The MGC Personal Scheduler adds an Outlook interface to the scheduling of the MGC in this situation. · Need to utilize "personalized" MGC Virtual Meeting Rooms that enable ad-hoc conferences (with preconfigured settings via templates) ­ Users can setup predefined conferences, but leave them inactive until they are needed at a moment's notice. · Need Real-time Conference Information (MGC resources) shared among other MGC centric tools ­ There are a number of detailed statistics and settings that are only available through WebCommander and MGC Manager * today. Note: WebCommander Scheduler and Director are browser-based applications, while MGC Personal Scheduler uses Outlook to reserve MGC-based conferences. * MGC Manager is an administrative application built into every MGC. 3 Video Network Management ­ Polycom Conference Suite Management Module Video Network Management is a multi-vendor management and monitoring application. The management module in Polycom Conference Suite is available separately and operates independently of the other Polycom Conference Suite modules. The Room Control module is also available separately, but does require the Video Network Management module. [. . . ] · Need to provide to users automatic call routing and least cost routing of IP or ISDN calls ­ When a user places a call, Polycom PathNavigator will automatically switch to ISDN if the IP connection is unavailable. It will also route ISDN calls through IP backbones to reduce long distance ISDN charges. Summary While there are a number of different management applications available to Polycom users, it is important to remember that each application serves a particular set of needs. In many cases an enterprise may need to deploy combinations of these applications to best suit their needs. If you are unclear as to which application will best fill your needs, a Polycom representative will be happy to assist you in your decision. 6 ©2004 Polycom, Inc. [. . . ]